Dallas Reborn: Final Episode

[Ray_Krebbs]

Ext. The Krebbs Ranch - Early Afternoon

A silver-blue convertible pulls up outside Ray's ranch, and a woman steps out of the vehicle and knocks on the door. Receiving no response after a while, she places her hands over her hips and takes a look through the nearby windows. Ray sees her from the distance as he pulls up in his gold minivan and pulls his vehicle up to hers. Getting out, he takes off his sunglasses and approaches her.

Ray: How can I help you?

Emily: Are you Donna's husband?

Ray: Uh.... Well... you're about 20 years too late for that.

Emily: I don't get your meaning.

Ray: Donna and I have been divorced for about that long.

Emily: You're kidding me.... You wouldn't happen to know where she is now, would you?

Ray: If you told me a little more about yourself, I might-

Emily: I'm Emily McCullum.

Ray: McCullum? Are you saying you're a relative.

Emily: ...I'm her cousin.

Ray: You'd have to be... 'coz she had no brothers or sisters.

Emily: I never knew Donna too well. She was already getting out of high school by the time I came along.

Ray: What brought you out here after all this time?

Emily: My father passed a while back, you see. And so, I wanted to see if she had any information on him. We had trouble with his death certificate because we didn't have any vital information on him, and we couldn't obtain a birth certificate since we didn't know where he was born, either.

Ray: I don't think I'm going to be of much help either.... Not only are Donna and I divorced, but she's dead.

Emily: What....

Ray: I'm really sorry.

Emily: When did she die? How did it happen?

Ray: It was quite a few months back. She was on a plane going back to DC.... She was married to someone else at the time. He probably would have all that paperwork if Donna even saved that kind of stuff.

Emily: I know this is going to seem very gutsy of me.... Would you mind if I stayed around to look at what you have? Is this where you lived together?

Ray: No. We actually lived in the little house out that way. All our papers and stuff was over here. I guess it couldn't hurt for you to stick around and look.

---

Ext. Parking Lot of Dallas Mall - Afternoon

Blanche pulls up next to J.R., who's parked in a nearly empty section of the parking lot.

Blanche: Is it true what I heard about Cally?

J.R.: Every bit of it is true. I thought Orlando was dead.

Blanche: He is.... You know very well that he is.

J.R.: ...Then who took my wife?

Blanche: Orlando still held a strong organization despite his actions. It could be someone exacting his or her revenge.

J.R.: Well, that's not good enough for me. I want names and locations of these associates. I won't stand by and let them harm Cally, who's done nothing to them.

---

Int. Ewing Oil; reception area - Afternoon

Tabitha works on some paperwork when a pair of men in black trenchcoats walk in. A chill runs down her spine, as she wonders if this duo are part of the fallen Orlando empire.

Tabitha: ...Do you have an appointment?

Man: No... we're not here to see anyone. We've been specific instructions to leave this briefcase with J.R. Ewing.

Tabitha: Okay.... Do you mind if I have a look first?

Man: This is between our boss and Mr. Ewing.

Tabitha nods and points to the room leading to J.R.'s office. The men leave the suitcase and promptly exit. After watching the men leave, Tabitha heads into J.R.'s office and examines to briefcase. She attempts to open it but realizes that a specific code must be entered.


Int. The Orlando Mansion in Tokyo; exercise room - Evening

Anthony leads Cally into a room full of exercise equipment.

Cally: What is all of this?

Anthony: I know very well about your condition and want to see that your therapy is carried out. I don't want you to view your time here as an imprisonment.

Cally: Look, you brought me here over my free will. How can I not see that as being your prisoner.

Anthony: Let's put it this way. Depending on how my father's investigation goes, you could be in here for a few days... to a few weeks... a few months. Do you see what I mean? Life is short enough as it is, so it should be enjoyed.

Cally shakes her head in disgust and walks toward to the window.

---

Int. Restaurant in the Reunion Tower; dining room - Evening

Pam and Bobby sit down at a private booth. The events of the past few days seem to be taking its toll on Bobby, as it is shown on the rings under his eyes.

Pam: Every time I think about what happened to this poor girl Cally, I think about what I went through for nearly 20 years. Oh, God.... I hope they find her.

Bobby: I can't even begin to imagine what you went through.

Pam: I had to stay strong to survive through that....

Bobby: It wasn't a that; it was a who. Why did Orlando want you?

Pam: He had been stalking the Ewings for years, Bobby. He always told me it started when J.R. destroyed one of his earlier marriages. He loved that woman with all his heart.

Bobby: Yeah.... That must've been Liz.

Pam: You knew about her?

Bobby: She was here in Dallas, but she left some time back.

Pam: Orlando fell in love with me and went out of his way to make sure I was his.

Bobby: Was he behind your accident?

Pam: No.... He was going to take me by other means, but the explosion changed things quite a bit.

Bobby: Was Katherine behind it, too?

Pam: She did most of the work for him.... She promised to help get me out of the way so he could have her... and her you.

Bobby: We never heard from Katherine again.

Pam: She was killed.

Bobby: ...What happened?

Pam: Orlando tried to rape her, and she fought back.... It all ended with her demise.... I wasn't just Orlando's prisoner. After he made sure you and I were divorced, he called a priest to his mansion in the Carpathian Mountains, where I had been kept.

Bobby: You were married to him?

Pam: It wasn't anything like a marriage should be. That man was so demented and treated women like they were his slaves.... I was his fourth wife, but we were divorced within months of the wedding. That doesn't mean he stopped there with me. Whenever he was in the mood for sex, he....

Bobby: Pam... please stop there. I can't believe what he did to you... to all those women.

---

Int. The Orlando Mansion; the main room - Evening

Blanche sits alone in the darkened den as rain pours outside. The cracking of thunder seems to sound every other second. She hears a sound but simply puts it aside due to her overactive imagination. Looking over to the doorway, Blanche sees the form of a man who enters the room. Lightning illuminates his face to reveal the form of the believed-deceased Orlando.

Blanche: You said you weren't going to come back! Why are ruining our plans?

Orlando: I suddenly realized I could use this time to really put the fear of me into those Ewings... you know, haunt them from beyond the grave.

Blanche: Well, you're going to have to do it alone. J.R. is giving me too much pressure.

A syringe suddenly is stuck into Blanche's neck, and she plops to the ground. Orlando looks at the figure who inserted to deadly syringe and walks up to Blanche's corpse.

Orlando: You were always too much dead weight - no pun intended.... How could I really on someone who couldn't decide which faction they belonged to?

Woman: You just can't, can you?

The woman steps out of the shadows, revealing herself to be Angelica Nero, a woman who seemed to live in the imagination of Pam....

---

The Krebbs Ranch; the dining room - Evening

Ray and Emily sit down to dinner.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" Ray asks.

"No... no, I didn't. I'm so sorry about my car. I had no idea it would die out on me," Emily answers apologetically.

"Oh, don't even think about it," Ray assures. "I have enough room on this place for all the animals on Noah's ark. It's nice to have some company.... I told you about me and my current wife-"

"Yes. I feel kind of uncomfortable just intruding when you're going through this...."

"Donna's coming back, though, but... I don't know if that'll be enough to get back to the way things were...."

Int. Ewing Oil; the main lobby - Morning

J.R. enters the Ewing Oil building and proceeds to the elevators at the other end of the spacious lobby. The detective sees J.R. and approaches him.

J.R.: Oh, my God.... What do you want now?

Detective: I'm going to make it easy on you, Mr. Ewing.

J.R.: What the hell are you talking about?

Detective: Just confess to what you did, and-

J.R.: Look, the only criminal in this room is you. A more appropriate title for your job would be lawful harrassment, don't you think?

Detective: All the evidence leads to you and that Orlando woman.

J.R.: Her name is Blanche.... And I don't know what kind of evidence you think you have....

Detective: Just what were you doing the night before Mr. Orlando's murder?

J.R.: I was getting some reports done because I neglected to do so during the day.

J.R. catches a glimpse of a man who enters the building, and a chill runs through his spine.

J.R.: Oh, dear God.... It can't be!

J.R. rushes over the man who acts surprised by J.R.'s hostility. He removes his glasses and looks at J.R. in a perplexed expression.

J.R.: You're just going to stare at me, Orlando?

Man: Orlando? Look, I don't know what the hell your problem is, sir. I'm just trying to get to my office.

J.R.: Since when do you work here?

Man: Since today.... I run the Dallas branch of Lone Star Oil, which, I believe, used to be yours until you sold it to the company's president in Anchorage.

J.R.: Just cut it.... Cut it out, Orlando. We all know it's you!

Man: I'm getting sick of this. If you don't get out of my way....

Detective: Be careful, Mr. Ewing. You don't want-

J.R.: Can't you see who this is?!

Detective: He might have a strong resemblence to the deceased man you're thinking of, but it can't be him, can it?

The man pushes J.R. aside and proceeds to the elevator. J.R. watches and shakes his head in disbelief.

J.R.: What is going on?!

---

Int. The Krebbs Ranch; the kitchen - Morning

Emily sits alone in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee, as Allison suddenly enters the room. Both women lock eyes with each other.

Emily: Are you Allison?

Allison: Yes.... Who are you?

Emily: I'm just visiting. I'm a cousin of Donna's.

Allison: Donna? You mean Donna, who died and hadn't lived here for 20 years?

Emily: Yeah.... I know this might look odd.

Allison: I can't lie to you.

Emily: My father and Donna's father were brothers, and I came here to see if Donna had left any paperwork with Ray. My father didn't keep a birth certificate, and I have no idea where he came from.

Allison: Oh.... How long have you been here?

Emily: I came yesterday.

Allison: Yesterday....

Emily: My car broke down, but it's going to be looked at today.


Int. Ewing Oil; J.R.'s office/Ext. Southfork; the patio - Morning

J.R. paces around his office, unable to get the image of the man's face out of his mind. He lunges for the phone and dials Blanche's. As her message comes on, he squints in frustration.

J.R.: Blanche, if you're there, pick up. It's important....

J.R. hangs up and thinks for a moment. He then dials Southfork. Miss Phyllis sits by the patio with a cup of coffee and picks up the cordless phone, set on the table.

Miss Phyllis: Hello?

J.R.: ...I don't know what's going on. Maybe I'm going mad.

Miss Phyllis: What?! What are you talking about?

J.R.: This oil company is renting office space from us, but... I met the manager of the Dallas branch of the company. He looks and talks just like Orlando.

Miss Phyllis: ...Are you sure?

J.R.: Of course I'm sure! Come see for yourself!

Miss Phyllis: All right. I'll have Bobby and Sue Ellen bring me over when they go to work. How should I tell them?

J.R.: Don't say anything. Just say you want to see me. I'll break it to them once they're here.

---

Ext. The Krebbs Ranch; near the fence - Morning

Ray stacks hay on top of one another as Allison approaches. Ray drops his equipment to embrace his wife, but she returns it stiffly.

Ray: Why didn't you tell the time you were going to come. I would've picked you up.

Allison: There was no need for that. I needed the time to myself and the little ones.... How come you didn't tell me about Donna's cousin?

Ray: Oh.... I just... completely forgot.

Allison: You forgot. I see....

Ray: Look, I'm not having an affair with her if that's what you think.

Allison: It's pretty hard not to think that, Ray, considering....

Ray: All I can ask of you is to have faith in me. I'm only letting her stay here because her car broke down.

Allison: I want to believe you so much, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to believe a word that comes out of your mouth again.

Ray: Then why did you come back here if you feel that there's no hope?

Allison: I was hoping I'd be able to prove to myself that I can.


Int. Ewing Oil; J.R.'s office - Morning

J.R. sits in his office, waiting for the trio to arrive. Tabitha enters his office.

J.R.: What can I do you for?

Tabitha: I forgot to tell you.... Some men came by yesterday and left you that briefcase over there?

J.R. glances at the black suitcase and back at Tabitha.

J.R.: Why didn't you tell me about it before?

Tabitha: You had left the office already.

J.R. sees that it requires a certain code. A thought comes to his mind, and he enters the first combination he can think of. Fortunately, this opens it.

Dear Mr. Ewing,

It's an infortunate incident what happened to my father.... Nothing will happen to your precious Cally as long as she cooperates with us. Just confess to your crime, and you will see your wife again very soon.

J.R.: My God....

*Flashback*

J.R. enters the lounge of Orlando's mansion late at night and sees Blanche cradled over a body whose face and torso are completely burned, a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

J.R.: What happened to him?

Blanche: I thought.... I thought he drank the poison, J.R. But he tricked me and came after me. I had no other choice....

J.R.: What did you do?

Blanche: He chased me all over the house. But finally... I found a revolver and shot him when he was near the fireplace.

J.R.: He fell in?

Blanche nods.

Blanche: Yes, but... I pulled him out. I should have let him burn.... What am I going to do?

J.R.: I'll call Ratigan and have him take care of it.

Later near the county road outside the mansion....

J.R., Blanche and Ratigan place Orlando's body in one of his cars.

J.R.: I have to get out of here.... You know what to do, Ratigan. Everyone's going to think this was just an accident.

*End flashback.*

J.R.: How can he be back....

---

Int. The Orlando Mansion in Tokyo, Japan; Morning

A blonde woman walks up to the entrance of the mansion, surprising the guard.

Guard: Mrs. Orlando... Mr. Orlando wasn't expecting you for quite some time.

Helen: Look, I'm getting sick and tired of getting shoved in the corner by him. He runs half way across the world; he never returns my calls.... Tell me, is he having an affair on me? Is there another woman in there?

Meanwhile, Anthony plays Bach's Minuet in G on the piano. Cally enters the doorway and watches him play.

Cally: That's really pretty....

Anthony: Oh, you're up already, I see. Are you ready to eat?

Cally: I... I don't know. I can't sleep. I miss my own bed....

Anthony: It's up to your husband now. Once he confesses to my father's murder-

Cally: How are you so sure he did it? Does that mean I'm going to be stuck in here forever?

Helen: So... this is what you've been keeping me from.

Anthony: Helen... what are you doing here?!

Helen: Who the hell is this woman? Tell me!

Cally sees this as a moment to escape, and she runs past Helen.

Anthony: Get back here! Guards, stop her!

Helen: What is this?

Cally runs outside, but one of the guards grabs her.

Cally: Let me go!

Anthony approaches her and shakes his head disgustedly.

Anthony: This little stunt of yours could have cost you your life, you know. You're lucky my guard didn't just shoot you.

Helen: My God, Anthony.... Are you holding her against her will?

Anthony looks at her with disgust and then looks at another bodyguard.

Anthony: Put her in the basement.

Helen: What the h-?! You can't do this to me! You won't get away with it!

Anthony: Who's going to help you? You should have just stayed in the Ukraine. This isn't your place.

Helen: My place, hell! I can do whatever I want. I'm not your slave.

Anthony: Look at you now.... Get her out of my sight.

 

[Karin Schill]

Thanks for posting.
Unfortunately I don't really get much of this as I can't remember if I've read it or not. I think I might have many years ago. But I'm probably missing a lot of pieces.

So the Bobby and Pam scene at the end, does that mean that they ended up back together again?
In an earlier part it seemed like Bobby was with Sue Ellen, a pairing which always seems weird to me.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

I appreciate the comment a lot. After this was written, more was planned. Pam was the veiled woman on the plane in the other threads. She was brought to Bobby and Sue Ellen's wedding. She tricked Orlando that she was brainwashed to kill J.R. but turned the gun on him. He survived and went into hiding. Blanche was engaged to J.R. when he met Sue Ellen at the Miss Texas pageant. J.R. dropped her for Sue Ellen, and she never forgave him. She was kicked off the ranch and had problems with her living situation till she got involved in the European mob and met Orlando. She married him following Pam divorcing him. She wanted J.R. to suffer, but she had a glimpse of conscience and what a person she became. She came out of hiding and plotted to dispose of Orlando with him. It got complicated after that. Tabitha was John Ross's wife who began work at Ewing Oil but loved the Ewing money more than him. Angelica was going to be revealed as Orlando's cousin who met Pam and Mark in Europe on their trip in the early 80s. That is how Pam dreamt of her. Pam and Bobby were growing close again here. It was planned to reunite them. Cally and Anthony were going to fall in love, and she was going to stop J.R. from arresting him and allow them to live in Europe together. She would also help J.R. and Sue Ellen, who had begun bonding again, that they should get back together.

 

[Karin Schill]

You're welcome. I'm glad to hear that the plan was to reunite Bobby and Pam as well as JR & Sue Ellen.

Also I am a bit confused about Jenna and Ray. Did they have any children in common (except Lucas) or was it just Ray who had a child with this other woman?

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

They had a daughter named Grace.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

However, she only appeared briefly. In the beginning of Dallas Reborn, Ray moved him, Jenna, Lucas and Grace back to his bigger house. Charlie had died in a car accident in Switzerland in Ray's car. Jenna blamed him, and he thought a move would solve everything. It did not. Jenna took the children and appeared again after he had children with Allison Stevens.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Patio Area/Ewing Oil; Sue Ellen's Office – Morning

Miss Phyllis, J.R., Bobby, Pam, Christopher and Rebecca were enjoying breakfast, sitting out in the brisk autumn wind. The mood was unusually quiet and somewhat suspicious, as the men exchanged unusual glances. Suddenly, J.R.’s phone rang.

Placing his fork on his paper plate, J.R. answered his black cellular phone. “Hello?”

“Hey, guess who?” exclaimed James enthusiastically.

“James?! My God, it’s been months since you last called here. How come we don’t hear more from you?”

“It works both ways, you know!”

Sighing, J.R. answered, “Well, I suppose you’re right about that. I apologize.”

“Guess where we’re at?”

“Huh? Are you trying to say you’re here in Dallas?” J.R.’s response attracted the attention of those at the table.

John Ross, who was about to enter for breakfast, stopped in his tracks and listened to the conversation from the inside.

“Take a look at the driveway in about… five seconds,” James answered before hanging up the phone.

Miss Phyllis wiped her mouth with her handkerchief, asking, “Junior, what is this all about?”

A huge grin appeared on J.R.’s face. A car stormed into the driveway. James, Debra Lynn and Jimmy emerged from it. “My oldest boy is home…..”

John Ross shook his head in a frustrating matter and stormed off to another part of the house. He dialed his phone, and a very familiar voice came over the line.

“John Ross?” came the voice of Sue Ellen, who sat at her desk at Ewing Oil. She sensed distress in her only son’s voice and instinctively questioned him about his troubles.

“”It appears Daddy’s bastard son has decided to turn up all of a sudden….”

“…James Beaumont?”

John Ross took a peek out the window and cringed at how J.R. lovingly embraced James, Debra Lynn and Jimmy. “Momma… I think we’ve got a problem.”

“Honey, don’t you worry about a thing…. I’ll have everything under control in no time. Just you wait and see!”

---

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge – Morning

J.R. poured drinks for him, James and Jimmy; then, he sat down on one of the stools. “I still can’t tell you enough how good it is to have you two back here. John Ross has been failing me lately. Perhaps you two are what I need to keep him motivated.”

“Dad…” James began while rolling his eyes, “we’ve already talked about this God know how many times in the past. I won’t let you involve my family in any of your little schemes.”

“This is no scheme, James…. It’s only a matter of getting your little brother to wake up and smell the coffee is all. Jimmy, are you still deciding what to do now that you’re out of college?”

“Yeah. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find work out there!”

“How would you like to stay out here a while and start up at Ewing Oil?”

“Dad!”

“Your boy is old enough to make decisions for himself,” J.R. answered firmly. “This is between me and him. So, what do you say, Jimmy? How does that sound?”

“That would be awesome! What would I be doing exactly, though?”

“Well, we’ll have to talk to Bobby and Sue Ellen about that. After all, they own the company now. Don’t you worry, though, as I’m sure they’ve got something for you to do. Ever since I knew you existed, I always dreamed of you sitting in one of those offices. You're my first-born grandson... Jock Ewing's first great-grandchild.”

"Jimmy, do you want to do this?" James asked.

"This would be the chance of a lifetime, Dad! Why wouldn't I want to?"

---

County Road in Braddock – Afternoon

James, Debra Lynn and Jimmy were driving back to their hotel….

Quite evidently upset, Debra Lynn exclaimed, “I’ve been dreading this day my whole life… when you’d make the choice to work for alongside grandfather. James, why didn’t you put your foot down in the matter?”

“I did, but… my dad made me realize that our son’s old enough to make choices on his own. He’s right, you know , as much as I hate it.”

“Mom, look, I’m not a little kid any more. Ewing Oil can give me opportunities that no other job could do back in New Jersey. I’m not going to let you stop me.”

“But, Jimmy, J.R. is someone who can’t be trusted!” Debra Lynn exclaimed. “He is certainly no man to look up to.”

“I know what I’m doing. Let’s just drop this for once and all, okay?”

The vehicle approached the Krebbs’s newer ranch in town, and James noticed that Ray and Allison were standing in the front. “Hey, there’s my aunt and uncle over there,” he said as he pulled over to their position.

“Oh, my God!” Debra Lynn said exhaustedly. “Is this the time for us to be paying a house call?”

James ignored his wife’s belligerence and approached proceeded to approach Ray and Allison.

Ray turned over and smiled. “Well, James! What a surprise! It’s been a long time since we’ve seen your bunch around these parts.”

“We haven’t shown up in some time, so we thought we’d make appearances. What’s going on? It seems like you’re moving,” James said as he looked over to the for-sale sign in the yard.

“Well… we need to find some place bigger for us and our kids. Things are getting a bit crowded around here.”

James turned over to Debra Lynn, who sensed her husband’s intention to purchase the land and shook her head in disagreement.

---

Southfork Ranch; the Kitchen – Afternoon

Miss Phyllis was enjoying a glass of iced tea at the counter, staring into the vast field of the ranch, when she was joined by Pam's presence. “It was a surprise to see James and his family earlier, wasn’t it?”

Bearing a concerned expression, Pam sat down next to Miss Phyllis. “I’m worried, Miss Phyllis.”

“About what?”

“Everyone could tell John Ross wasn’t happy to see his brother,” Pam said. “I’m afraid things in this family’s feud are just going to escalate. It’s bad enough that John Ross tried to drill on the property without our consent.”

Miss Phyllis took a sip of her drink and grinned slightly when a thought came to her mind. “I’ve said this before, but my daddy must be rolling around in his grave. The last thing he wanted was for there to be any drilling on Southfork. Nolan and Richard almost got away with it. If Richard hadn't fallen for me, it would have happened. When John Ross attempted it, that was one of the most disappointing days of my life.”

“I know that J.R. listens to you more than the rest of us. Do you think you can get him to keep John Ross and probably Sue Ellen, too, from causing any trouble?”

“I wasn’t able to stop Junior from drilling on the ranch, was I? Would it be any different this time?”

“Just, at least, try. That’s all that I ask of you, “ Pam pleaded.

“I can’t promise you a miracle, but I will certainly try to keep J.R., Sue Ellen and John Ross at bay….”

Pam gripped Miss Phyllis' hand tightly. "Thank you so much, Miss Phyllis. This means so much to me. We don't need any more problems around here."

"You're certainly right about that!"

---

Sue Ellen’s Condo; the Living Room – Evening

Carrying a glass of mineral water and a mixed drink, Sue Ellen returned to the sofa, where her private detective was. She handed the mixed drink to him and sat. “I have to admit. I was surprised to get that phone call that you already found something.”

“It’s not very much,” the private detective began somberly, “but it could give us a lead to something. You see, James and Debra Lynn filed for divorce a few months ago but called it off.”

“Really?” Sue Ellen’s curiosity seemed to be peeking.

“I’m afraid that’s all I’ve found so far-“

“No. Don’t be sorry. It’s a start. Just keep looking, and I’m sure we’ll find out what this whole thing was all about,” Sue Ellen answered with a sinister wink.

“Sue Ellen, what’s going on?” asked a man who stood near in the doorway.

“Honey, this is a business associate of mine,” Sue Ellen assured with a confident smile and turned to her private detective. “This is my husband Kelly Evensen.”

“Well, I better be going,” the private detective said, rising from his chair. “You’ll be hearing from me soon.”

Once Sue Ellen and Kelly finally had the condo to themselves, the latter eyed his wife in a peculiar manner. “What was he doing here so late?”

“Oh, don’t tell me you think I’m having an affair!” Sue Ellen laughed.

“When I walked in, you said something about finding out what it’s all about. What’s that all about?”

“It’s… just an internal problem in the company is all,” Sue Ellen assured.

“You’ve always kept secrets from me since I ever knew you. I shouldn’t be too surprised.” Kelly left the room despite Sue Ellen’s attempt to stop him.

---

The Singletree Hotel; James and Debra Lynn’s Hotel Room – Evening

James and Debra Lynn walked into their spacious suite after seeing Jimmy off to his next to theirs. It was quite apparent that something was amiss. If the look on Debra Lynn’s face could kill….

“James, I don’t care what you think is best. We are not moving to Dallas. I have a job and a life back in New Jersey!”

“I’m sorry for making that offer to Ray without telling you anything about it, but….”

“But, what?!”

“It might be the best thing for the three of us. Jimmy has shown interest in working at Ewing Oil-“

“Yeah? Well, just a few hours ago, you were completely against the whole idea. What changed since then?”

“…And, with this thing hanging over my head….”

Debra Lynn studied James quietly while nodding knowingly. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had this planned all along. This trip came out of nowhere and with plans to move to boot. You think running away is going to solve our problems. Well, it’s not!”

“You never seem to take in the fact that my whole reputation is shot back home! Can you blame me for wanting to leave?”

“It affected all of us, James. Hell, we almost got a divorce over it. But, the problem will just follow us no matter where we go. Can’t you see that?”

“I think I’m going to wash up before going to bed now.” With that James walked away from his wife and closed the door to the bathroom behind him.

 

[Karin Schill]

I think it's refreshing to see that you've included James and Cally in your story as those characters from the latter Dallas years are rarely ever used.

I am confused about a few things though, like who is Miss Phyllis and Rebecca?

Also when is this story set?

Does it pick up after the reunion movies or when?

I thought it was set earlier but then I read that Jimmy had graduated from college so apparently not!

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Thank you for the kind words. It starts almost after WOTE in late 1998. Miss Phyllis is Miss Ellie's sister. She did not get along with her folks and was sent to live with her grandparents out of town. She came back just before J.R. was born. It was revealed in a later episode he was the product of her affair with Jock. They took him and scared her off to Chicago. She and first husband Nolan relocated to NYC and had children Michael and Mandy. No one knew she was Mandy Winger until she came to town. She and Miss Phyllis did not get along. She and J.R. were embarrassed to think they were cousins, and then Miss Phyllis revealed they were siblings. Mandy left, and the secret was never made public. After being forced to remarry the evil Nolan Darth, her troubles began again. Nolan made a deal with Mac's brother Richard, who blackmailed him to have him made the new chairman, with selling him half of Southfork. Nolan allowed the Ewings to remain, but when he was killed by his secret accomplice Orlando, Richard evicted them to drill on the land. Miss Phyllis seduced him, and they fell in love for real. Richard became ill, and the two married on his death bed. Miss Phyllis got the ranch back. Rebecca is Pamela Rebecca. She married John Ross after he and first wife Tabitha broke up.

 

[Karin Schill]

Thank you for explaining. It does make more sense now.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

I found one of the first episodes. I will post in parts.


Phyllis’ Maine Home Overlooking Cliffside - Morning

An older Miss Ellie carefully steps out of the backseat of the taxi van that brought her here and graciously pays the driver before approaching the quaint home. Miss Ellie pauses at the doorway and lifts her fist to the door, then proceeds to knock. Almost immediately, she hears footsteps grow closer, and another older woman opens the door partially before completely opening it.

The expression on this new woman's face remains speechless as she opens the storm door. "Ellie?"

Miss Ellie holds back her tears as she reaches over to embrace the woman who allows her to, though does not show the same warmth.

"Oh, my God, Phyllis..." Ellie mutters amid her stream of tears.

"Why... why, after all this time?" Phyllis asks, clearly not as pleased as Miss Ellie.

"I wanted to find you... I really don't know why I chose now, but I just had to find you, get my family back together," Ellie addresses.

Phyllis pulls back and shakes her head negatively. "We aren't a family, Ellie. A family keeps in touch over fifty years..."

Ellie feels a twinge in her brittle, aged, heart as she finds the sister whom she just found reject her.

"But... we're still sisters, Phyllis... We've both made mistakes. I know I surely have... I want to make amends and spend whatever time together we can," Ellie bemoans.

"Well, I think it's too late for that now, dear sister. I mean, so much has changed. I have my own family to look after, and you have yours with Jock-"

"Jock... died in 82...."

"I'm sorry; I didn't know," Phyllis answers.

Ellie struggles to fight back tears thinking of her dearly departed first husband, but she contains herself well. "You said you have a family?"

"Yes... I do. I've got a boy and a girl, Ellie. Well, they aren't too little anymore," Phyllis says, finally lightening up. "Why - why don't you come in? I think... I don't want to hold this bitterness anymore-"

Ellie embraces her sister happily. "And neither do I."

The newly found sister allows Ellie inside her cozy, pseudo modern-styled home and escorts her into the quaint lounge.

Phyllis grabs a photo album from the curio cabinet and sits down next to Ellie on the beige sofa. She opens the book and passes through the pages containing a wedding photo of a much younger Phyllis and her husband.

"Are you still married to...?" Ellie asks.

"Nolan? Well... I'm not really sure. We've been separated for almost a decade but haven't legally ended our marriage yet," Phyllis says.

Ellie looks at the picture of a toddler boy and girl posed in a black-and-white picture. "If those are your children, they take after our mother did..."

"Yes, those are my little sweeties... Michael and Mandy," Phyllis answers happily.

"Are they married and have children?" Ellie asks curiously.

"Well... Michael's living with me now because he and his wife Jill are having troubles, and Mandy was married a very long time ago right after high school but got divorced within a year; and, sadly, I have no grandchildren..."

"I'm really sorry to hear that. Maybe things will change, but you do have a beautiful family, nonetheless," Ellie comforts.

Phyllis smiles weakly and closes the book. "I'd have you meet Michael, but he's doing our grocery shopping right now... Would you like tea or anything?"

Ellie stands up. "Tea would be lovely but as long as you let me make it-"

"I can't let you do that; it would make me look like a terrible host, Ellie!"

Ellie chuckles mildly. "Oh... Just tell me where your kitchen is," Ellie demands.

"You really were the controlling one of us both, you know," Phyllis chimes wryly.

Suddenly, the door unlocks, and Michael walks in with a couple bags of groceries. He looks over at Miss Ellie.

“I didn’t know we were expecting a visitor,” Michael says to Phyllis.

Phyllis stands up and eagerly rushes to Michael. “Michael, Michael, I’d never thought you’d get the opportunity to meet her, but this is my sister, your auntie, Ellie Ewing.”

“Well, it’s Farlow now, but it’s really nice to meet you. You look just like your father. I can’t believe it,” Ellie says, happy to see him.

Michael puts his bags of groceries on the kitchen counter and nervously hugs his aunt. “Well, this is a surprise, indeed!”


Ewing Oil; Conference Room - Day

Sue Ellen, J.R. and Bobby sit adjacent to one another at the long table covering much of the conference room.

The eldest brother - followed by the youngest - signs a series of documents before handing them to Anita Smithfield, who sits quietly at the other end of the table with the witnesses.
Anita browses through the documents before setting her sapphire eyes on J.R. “It’ll take a matter of filing the papers accordingly, but you now own 300 shares of Ewing Oil,” she states.

J.R. grins before turning to his brother and his ex-wife. “Looks like I’m finally back right in the game,” he chimes merrily.

“Don’t get too excited just yet,” Sue Ellen begins. “Your shares are still small compared to mine and Bobby’s. Also, we’ll be keeping a close eye on all your activities, so know you’re being watched.”

“Well, I don’t think you’ll have too much to worry about on my part,” J.R. assures.

Bobby glances at Sue Ellen. “I guess we shall see, won’t we?”

Anita puts the documents in her dark brown attaché briefcase and rises from her leather seat. “I’ll leave the three of you alone to discuss things, and I’ll get these papers filed right away,” she says before leaving the room with the pair of witnesses.

Bobby watches his brother’s attorney leave; then, he gains eye contact with J.R. “All right. One thing to make clear: Sue Ellen and I make all the shots; every single decision you want to make, you must consult us first. And number two: every meeting you have concerning Ewing Oil business has to be approved by us first. If we see just one slip up, you’re out. No warning or anything,” Bobby addresses firmly.

“Well, Bobby, don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?” J.R. asks innocently.

“Sue Ellen and I aren’t stupid or blind. We both know that you aren’t the world’s most honest businessman. I know I’ve certainly made the mistake of letting you back in the past, and I wonder why I’m doing it now; but, this time we have full control where you act as our employee,” Bobby answers.

“I suppose this goes with the old saying, ‘Be happy with what you’ve got,” so I’ll accept it,” J.R. says.

“I can see right through your lies, J.R.,” Sue Ellen answers mildly. “Just remember; you answer to us. We are God, and you are man.”

“I suppose that makes me Beelzebub,” J.R. says jokingly.

“You are who you make yourself to be,” Bobby answers solemnly. “And that means you make your place here at Ewing Oil. So, if after so many years, or possibly months, we see that you listen to our every order, a possible promotion could be in order. As of now, you are just our financial advisor.”

“I’m a what?” J.R. cringes.

“We’re short a financial advisor to help people make investments in our stocks, as Ewing Oil is no longer independent,” Sue Ellen answers. “As well as that, you have other obligations and a few privileges.”

“But I own a darned 300 shares, and I’m reduced to this menial work? I might as well be working out in the fields. There’s more effort to that!” J.R. bemoans.

“Look,” Bobby begins, “all this complaining isn’t going to gain you any points with us. You’re this low now because of your stupid actions throughout your life. Anyways, when Daddy was still president of this company, you worked in the mail room. You know he wouldn’t just hand the position to you. So, you worked your way up the ladder and became president after him.”

“All right, little brother, I’ll go along with your game for now, but mark my words: I will work my way back to the top, just as Daddy would have it!”

Sue Ellen and Bobby glance at each other before standing up and heading for the door.

“You have a meeting with a lovely couple who would like to invest in one of our subsidiaries at a quarter to nine. Don’t dilly-dawdle around,” Sue Ellen quips before leaving with Bobby.

J.R. retains his disgusted look until both of them leave his site and begins to chuckle. Anita, then, appears and puts her arm around her long-time closet lover.

“You almost had me convinced there,” Anita says. “But why on earth did you let them know that you’re going to do something?”

“Well, let’s look at it this way,” J.R. starts. “They know I’m coming, but they’ll be looking in the complete opposite direction. No way would they think of you and me buying stock under aliases.”


A Prison in Warsaw, Poland Dusk

Jennifer Jantzen is permitted entrance into the visitor’s room by a pair of Polish prison guards and sits across from a dark-skinned man whose time in prison has left no bearing on his appearance. The man picks up the phone receiver on his side of the room, and Jennifer does the same.

“Is my bail set?” the man asks.

Jennifer glances uncomfortably on the guard whose eyes are set on her. “It’s... it’s going through the warden right now, so you should be out of here within an hour or less, Orlando,” she assures.

An evil twinkle flares in Orlando’s dark eyes as he chuckles. “I’ve waited ten years to get out of here, and now I’m finally getting that chance,” he says in disbelief. “Does Bobby Ewing know you’re here in Poland?”

“No!” Jennifer answers bluntly. “I told him I was on business in London. He doesn’t know a thing.”

“Good. Good. Just the way it should be, right?” A wry grin appears on Orlando’s youthful-appearing face.

“Orlando, are you absolutely sure nothing will happen to Bobby?” Jennifer asks in her soft tone.

Orlando grins weakly and leans forward. “I can’t guarantee anything, Jennifer, but I will do my best,” he says assuredly.

“How do I know you will keep your word? You sent your men after Cally Harper in-“

Orlando motions for her to be quiet and quickly glances at the prison guards. “Quiet. These people hear everything! We can’t do anything rash, now, all right?”

Jennifer takes a deep breath before sitting back in her seat. “I don’t feel comfortable about this. I really don’t....”

“You’re in too deep, Jennifer. If you walk away now, you’re risking so much,” Orlando answers venomously.

Jennifer begins to tremble in her seat and tries to put the receiver away.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Meet me at the hotel at nine sharp. After that we will plan our return to Dallas,” Orlando finishes before hanging up his receiver.

His cold eyes stare at Jennifer, who tries to not look back as she leaves the prison.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Anita’s Townhouse; Master Bathroom - Evening

J.R. enjoys a glass of ice cold tomato juice and Anita enjoys a glass of chardonnay while relaxing in the lukewarm water of the Jacuzzi. J.R. sets his glass down on the nearby bronze tray and leans near his lover.

“Anita, how long has it been since we got back together?” J.R. asks distantly.

“It’s been since 96, so that’s nine years,” Anita answers.

“Well....” J.R. mutters.

“Well what?” Anita asks in a puzzled tone.

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that maybe we’re at that point,” J.R. leads.

Anita clears her throat, as if knowing where J.R. is leading this conversation. “J.R., I think marriage is...”

“What’s so wrong about it? You even told ole J.R. that you loved him many moons ago,” J.R. jokes.

Anita begins to fidget slightly. “J.R., I do. I really do love you, but marriage just leaves a bad taste in my mouth,” she confesses.

“Well, honey, I’ve been married before. It’s not as bad as it seems,” J.R. tries to assure.

“Look, my parents divorced when I was just a little girl, and it really affected me. I promised myself that I would never get married in case that would happen to me!”

“I’m certainly not hearing the Anita Smithfield that I know,” J.R. says wide-eyed.

“I mean, why now? We’ve lived comfortably like this for years, and it never bothered you before, so why now?” Anita asks nervously.

“Well, don’t get excited, honey. I just think. It’s more of a matter of business, I’m afraid-“

“I should’ve known! This whole thing was just going to be another one of your business exploits,” Anita moans.

“Anita, I’m sorry it has to be this way, but if we want our little scheme as a married couple buying Ewing stock, we should make it legit, don’t you think? If you don’t go along, I could always turn in all the evidence that could get you disbarred and probably land you in prison.”

Anita begins to lose her breath and takes a large sip of her chardonnay. “You son of a-“

“Don’t blame me, darling. You’re the one who wanted to get involved with this in the first place, and-“

“I know! You don’t have to tell me twice!” Anita shouts.

J.R. rests his head against his arm and waits patiently for Anita to say something else.

“All right. From now on our relationship is strictly professional. As soon as that money lands in my savings account, I’m annulling the marriage!”

J.R. chuckles and takes a sip of his tomato juice. “Now, now.... Don’t you think we should consummate the marriage just to be on the safe side?”

“And then we’ll have to get a divorce. I’ll go along with this and through the marriage, but I will no longer represent you. You’re going to have to take your business elsewhere!”

J.R. gets out of the Jacuzzi and wraps a towel around his waist. “Don’t tell me you’re turning human on me now?”

I’ll get to work on the marriage license in the morning. But, after everything - I mean, everything - is settled, I never want to hear from you or see you again!”


A Hotel in Warsaw; Room 7 - Late Evening

Jennifer sits on her rather uncomfortable bed, arms folded, as Orlando and another figure walk in. Orlando smiles after seeing Jennifer in the quaint, uncomfortable room.

“You’re a wise woman, Miss Jantzen,” Orlando comments with a wink.

“I’m only doing my part until I can get the hell away from you,” Jennifer mutters coldly.

Orlando ignores her last reply before opening his briefcase containing a cobalt-blue map. Lurching closer, Jennifer saw it to be blueprints of Southfork.

“What... what is that?” Jennifer asks nervously.

“I think you should recognize that place. You’ve been living there for seven years,” Orlando says wryly.

“You told me the other Ewings wouldn’t get involved. You said your only target was J.R.,” Jennifer blurts.

“I think I should introduce you to a change of plans,” Orlando replies.

“You SOB! You used me all the way just to get you out of prison!”

Almost instantly, Orland retrieves a silenced pistol from his briefcase and fires at Jennifer, who falls back into the bed.

“Boss,” the henchman says, “what’re we going to do with the body?”

Orlando finds himself surprised at his own actions; then, he proceeds to check her pulse which there is none.

“There isn’t time to do anything. The flight leaves at midnight, and we have to get going,” Orlando addresses.

“Isn’t the address of Southfork registered in the lobby?”

“Hopefully young Miss Jantzen wasn’t foolish enough to do that,” Orlando answers. “Either way it won’t affect anything. Let’s get out of here.”

Orlando and his henchman quickly place everything into their briefcase and scan the room for anything that might’ve fallen before leaving.


Ewing Oil; J.R.’s Office - Early Morning

J.R. enters his office and smiles grandly at Anita, who shoots him a cold glare. He briefly looks at the pair of witnesses before sitting at the head of his desk.

“All right. Well, we got our blood test done last night, and hopefully you did your part, Anita,” J.R. says.

Anita throws the marriage license onto the desk and quickly signs her name. “Your turn,” she says with a cocky grin.

J.R. momentarily looks at her emotionlessly before signing his own name. The witnesses who are secretaries of Anita at Smithfield & Bennett sign.

“You can file those papers now, Mrs. Ewing,” J.R. says with a grin.

“You can shove whatever you have to say, J.R. From this moment on, our contact ceases now. As I said before, I am no longer your representing attorney!”

“And, what about consummating the marriage?”

“Call me on a drunken night, and maybe you’ll be so lucky,” Anita wryly answers.

“You say that now, but when you see those dollar signs flashing....”

“Don’t flatter yourself. Save it for Sue Ellen or whatever woman comes your way,” Anita quips before storming out of the office.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; Exterior - Midmorning

Bobby, Sue Ellen, Christopher and John Ross enjoy their breakfast on the patio overlooking the pool just as a taxi cab parks up.

“I wonder who that could be,” Christopher asks curiously.

“I don’t know, son,” Bobby says. “But, I guess we’ll soon find out.”

A woman with mangled blonde hair and mascara-smeared cheeks stumbles out of the cab, and everyone recognizes her to be Cally!

“Cally?” John Ross exclaims disappointedly.

“Oh, my God,” Bobby mutters as he rushes over to the disturbed woman who shakes in his arms. “Cally? What in the world happened to you?”

Cally looks in Bobby’s eyes and tries to rationalize the events in her mind. “My husband - they killed him!”

Bobby and Sue Ellen look at each other in a puzzled manner and help Cally into the house, where they sit her on the couch, while the boys pay the cab driver.

“Cally,” Bobby begins, “we’re in the house now. Could you tell me again what you just said?”

“My husband and I were walking on the boardwalk, and some men appeared out of nowhere and stabbed him - my husband.... They killed him in cold blood. Oh, my God, they killed him!”

Bobby and Sue Ellen can’t help becoming teary themselves as John Ross and Christopher walked in.

“Did they let you go?” Sue Ellen asks.

Cally remains quiet momentarily; then, she shakes her head. “No, they didn’t. I had to run, and I ran to the nearest street, and that’s where I got my cab. I couldn’t think of anyplace else to go,” she answers.

“Can you tell us who these people were?” Bobby asks passionately.

“I don’t know. I never saw them before in my life! I don’t know why they did that, why they took my world away!”

“John Ross, can you call 911?” Bobby asks. “And, Christopher, can you help me take Cally up to the bedroom?”

“What should I tell 911?” John Ross asks in a puzzled manner.

“Tell them there’s been a homicide and to come out here to Southfork, and also ask for a paramedic to look at Cally,” Sue Ellen answers in Bobby’s place.

Suddenly, just as Christopher and Bobby reach the second floor with Cally, J.R. enters the house.

“Good morning, Sue Ellen,” he greets jollily.

“J.R., we need to talk about something....” Sue Ellen reveals.

J.R. gives her a questioning expression. “All right. What’s going on?” he asks.

“Now, before you get upset, I want you to be calm, all right?”

“Well, just tell me what happened? Is it about John Ross?” J.R. asks worriedly.

“No. We got an unexpected visitor. Cally showed up,” Sue Ellen answers.

A long pause follows before J.R. shakes his head. “What? Did she bring my son with her?”

Sue Ellen remains clueless to what J.R. means, then continues: “No. She was a mess, just a complete mess! Her husband got killed by some thugs, and she got a ride here-“

“Oh, my God!” But what about Jakob Robert? Nothing happened to him, did it?” J.R. inquires.

“You never said you and Cally had a son!”

“It doesn’t matter what I said or didn’t. Where is she?” J.R. asks impatiently.

“She’s upstairs, but she’s in no condition to see anyone right now.”

“Who in the hell attacked her?!” J.R. shouts.

“I don’t know. She’s resting, so let’s let her recover. She’s got enough to deal with because the police will be talking to her soon, too,” Sue Ellen replies firmly.

Ray walks in and notices the emptiness of the house except for J.R. and Sue Ellen.

“I never thought I’d see you two alone in a room together again,” Ray jokes.

“What do you want, Ray?” J.R. asks impatiently.

“I was going to join Bobby and Christopher for lunch, but they seem to be gone.”

J.R. chuckles and says, “Oh. They’re here all right. We’ve got a story to share with you, don’t we, Sue Ellen?”

Sue Ellen smiles lopsidedly before nodding weakly and sitting in her comfortable seat.


Phyllis’ Maine Home Overlooking Cliffside; Exterior - Late Morning

Phyllis and Miss Ellie walk side-by-side on the jogging path in Phyllis’ neighborhood. Ellie smiles as she takes in the crisp Maine air.

“This is such a lovely place,” Ellie comments.

“I haven’t talked this over with Michael yet, but I’m thinking of selling out and-“

“What?”

“Well, it’s been too much to handle - putting up with Nolan and all his BS. I just want my own space,” Phyllis answers.

“I can understand that. I still can’t believe one man can be so shrewd and so cruel,” Ellie says solemnly.

“He’s just done so much to me over the years. The hardest thing was that paternity suit he filed against his old secretary so he wouldn’t be recognized as the father. I don’t take from anybody, but Nolan was the only man who could make my legs tremble. I just can’t describe the effect he has on me.”

“I know the pain, Phyllis. When Ray revealed that he was Jock’s son, I simply had enough. I had enough of Jock and was ready to divorce him. I’m just glad we reunited before he died so suddenly,” Ellie says.

“But, Jock was a much better man than Nolan Darth. Nolan has no morals or scruples, and he doesn’t care who he hurts as long as he wins in the end. I’m glad I had the guts to finally leave him. I just can’t file those divorce papers.”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Phyllis,” Ellie assures. “Personally, I think it would make things more difficult for you to go through a divorce at this point.”

“I don’t want a divorce either, Ellie. It would be wrong of me to end it because I still love Nolan, and I would be just as bad as him in the end....” Phyllis rationalizes.

“Phyllis! Why don’t you come to Dallas with me-“

“Ellie, you crack me up just like when we were kids!”

“I’m not kidding. I think it would do you good to get away, and it would do you good to be around people who actually love you,” Ellie says.

“I had bad feelings when I left Southfork, and it would hurt me more just to go back. With Daddy dying and Garrison making us think he was dead, and Jock and you taking over the ranch, I felt out of place. I knew I had to get out there and make end’s meet.”

“I was in the wrong, Phyllis. I was a selfish woman back then and wanted everything for myself. I didn’t realize what I was doing. Over these past couple days, I felt we’ve reconnected as sisters, and it would do you good to see your nephews and great-nephews,” Ellie says, smiling at the end.

“Little Junior was my little buddy,” Phyllis says.

“Yes, that he was. It really hurt him when you left and never kept in touch,” Ellie adds.

“I was just as wrong as you were. I thought everyone had turned on me, so I just upped and went to Chicago and started my own life with Nolan,” Phyllis answers.

“We’ve admitted to our faults. Let’s go home, Phyllis,” Ellie begs.

Phyllis stares into the sunlight, then at Ellie. “All right. Let’s go home... home to Southfork.”


Michelle Steven’s Apartment; the Living Room - Late Morning

Michelle, hair undone and still in nightgown, sits on the sofa as she drinks her creamy cup of coffee. She sets her mug on the nearby coffee table and lays back. A woman identical to April enters the room from the hallway.

“You look like a train just ran you over,” the woman chides.

“Thanks a lot, Allison,” Michelle answers crabbily.

“What’s got you so uptight?” Allison asks as she pours herself a glass of fresh orange juice.

“Look, I’ve just got a massive hangover is all.”

“Good morning,” says the innocent voice of Allison’s only child Alexis Stevens.

“Hey, yourself,” Allison replies solemnly.

“What’s got you all in a sour mood?” Alexis asks.

“Auntie Michelle is just being a pain in the butt!”

“No, I am not, Allison!” Michelle retorts.

Alexis rolls r eyes as she grabs a pear from the fruit basket. “So, are we going to see April’s family today or not?” she asks.

“You and your mom can go, but I ain’t-“

“We can’t go without you, Shelly!” Allison exclaims.

Michelle grabs her cup and takes a sip. “I said I’d come to Dallas to support you, but I never said I’d actually go to the ranch. There are too many bad memories there,” she answers.

Allison sighs and looks at her daughter. “I guess we came all the way here for nothing,” she shrugs.

“Look, Mom, I didn’t just get on a plane and fly here just to go back up north,” Alexis blurts. “I’m not leaving until we go to that ranch.”

Michelle laughs, and Allison feels embarrassed. “You don’t run my life, young lady! But, we probably won’t have peace of mind until we meet April’s husband and find out what went on from his perspective.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge - Afternoon

Bobby and Ray escort Cally, who has refreshed and taken a shower apparent by her soaked hair and new beige robe, down the flight of stairs and into the lounge, where the rest of the family and Sheriff Burnside wait patiently. Cally stares emotionlessly at J.R., who returns a more passionate expression, and sits down uncomfortably at one of the velvet chairs.

Sheriff Burnside attempts to be friendly with this frail woman who has encountered much trauma within this short time.

“I don’t know if you remember me, but we met a long time ago when you were still married to J.R.,” the sheriff greets.

Cally returns no response and doesn’t even gain eye contact with the interrogator.

“Well, your former brothers-in-law and J.R. have told me a lot of what I need to know, so this will be relatively short. From what I understand, you aren’t Mrs. Ewing anymore. Could you tell me your new married name?” the sheriff asks politely.

“Littles, Cally Harper Littles,” Cally answers, fiddling with her pruned fingers.

“All right,” Sheriff Burnside mutters as he writes it on his report. “Are you ready for me to talk to you, and do you feel comfortable with these people here?”

“I’d rather get this over-with if you don’t mind. I would like them to stay,” Cally answers, staring distantly into space.

“All right, Mrs. Littles. Could you begin by telling what city this occurred in?” the sheriff inquires. “I understand you were in Florida at the time.”

“We were in Orlando, Florida at Church Street Station,” Cally answers.

“And, also, I need the name of your husband, please.”

“His name was Tyrone Littles, and I would feel more comfortable if you wouldn’t act so affable around me,” the woman demands weakly.

“I have another question ask before I ask you for a sequence of events... if you can manage that-“

“You heard the woman,” J.R. interrupts. “She doesn’t want your phony sympathy or your delays. Just get on with it.”

Sheriff Burnside shoots a glare at J.R., and then proceeds with his inquiries. “Were there any witnesses to the crime? Now, please try to think back if there was anybody... anybody at all around,” the sheriff presses.

“There was no one around, and I’m certain about it,” Cally answers firmly.

Sheriff Burnside inscribes the latest information Cally told him onto his notepad and turns to a fully empty page. “Could you tell me everything you know that happened that day, and you may take your time.”

Cally looks off and begins to reminisce thoughtfully and accurately. “Well, Tyrone and I had driven up to Orlando to visit my son who’s accommodated at one of the boarding schools there, and we decided to go out to eat at Church Street Station. The parking lot was ridiculously crowded, and we had to park all the way to a rundown street almost a half-mile away. We ate at a little Mexican stand and did a little window shopping afterward, but didn’t buy anything. By that time, it was almost eight at night, and everything was closing up. Well, almost all those cars ahead of us were gone, so pretty much ours, all the way in the back, was all there was. I remember that everything was unusually dark and quiet, and it even made me and Tyrone a little nervous. I don’t know who these people were or what they wanted, but they appeared from all sides, and there was really no way around them-“

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” the sheriff apologizes, “but could you be a little descriptive of these people you refer to? I mean, how many were there, and what kind of clothes did they wear?”

“They looked like some kind of Mafia hit men to me. I don’t know - they were dressed a little too formally and wore these trench coats,” Cally answers.

“That’s strange to hear. Now, I’m not saying it’s not true, but the Mafia, from my understanding, is pretty scarce there and usually don’t dress to draw attention,” the sheriff says.

“Well, anyways, we called out to them and asked what they wanted, but a tall, heavyset guy - I think he was the leader - said that Orlando sends his regards and came after me with little blades, but Tyrone pushed me away and told me to run. I did just that, and when I looked back he was already to the ground.”

“Orlando. Do you know what they meant by that? Could it have been in reference to the city of Orlando?” the sheriff asks curiously.

“I don’t know... they referred to Orlando as a person; and before you ask this, no, my husband and I were not involved in anything illegal. We were just an ordinary couple living alone in Gainesville, Florida.”

Burnside, in an organized fashion, writes down everything Callie tells him, and then looks back.

“What happened next?”

Cally momentarily takes time to contain her emotions before proceeding. “I... I ran as fast as I could back to Church Street Station. I didn’t even bother to look because I was so frightened. But, by that time, I had lost them. In fact, I’m not sure they even followed after me. I, then, just stood there in the emptying street trying to think of what to do. I was going to call the police, but I knew whoever it was would find me alone, so I got the nearest taxi cab and took it to the Florida/Alabama state border because that was its limit. It took a while, but I got a cab in that town which took me further than the last one to Louisiana. Now, I was going to see my brothers in Haleyville, but I knew I couldn’t face them after all these years apart. I knew I was taking a chance, so in the nearest town, I got a cab that took me all the way to Southfork.”

The sheriff nods slightly and stands up from his seat. “I really do thank you, Mrs. Littles, for taking your time to speak to me right now. I’ll be taking what you told me to the Braddock P.D., and I’ll let you know when I have information regarding your husband,” Burnside assures.

Cally smiles weakly and breathes a sigh of relief.

J.R. escorts Burnside to the door, but before that Burnside leans over to whisper in his ear.

“I’m going to contact the sheriff of Orlando and find out if Tyrone Littles’ body has been brought in or if pictures can be sent for identification,” Burnside says.

J.R. nods in assurance before closing the door for the aging sheriff. J.R., then, turns to his ex-wife Cally and stares at her longingly.

Bobby excuses himself from the rest of the family and walks over to the phone. He picks up the receiver and dials the operator.

“Hello? Operator, I’d like to place an overseas call to the President Hotel in London, please.”

After a few minutes, the receptionist at the President answers. “Good evening.”

“Yes. You too. Um, my name is Bobby Ewing, and my fiancé Jennifer Jantzen is staying in one of your rooms,” he says.

A few seconds pass by before the receptionist’s feminine voice comes back on the line. “I’m sorry, but Miss Jantzen hasn’t checked in.”

“Are you sure?” Bobby asks in a shocked tone.

“She never made her reservation, and it was given to someone else. I am very sorry. I wish I could help or do something.”

“No, that’s okay. It’s just a matter of miscommunication, I guess,” Bobby answers before hanging up.


Orlando’s Casino-Dallas; the office - Dusk

Orlando sits at his desk across from some of his elite guard, including his prized top henchman, Kelly Abbottsford, who appears to be the only standing. Orlando greets them each, but he remains most courteous with, of course, Kelly.

“Well, I never thought I’d see the daylight again. Jennifer Jantzen was my saving grace, but it’s a shame she had to fall in the end. But, she chose the path of foolishness. And, you all know that foolishness is always fatal,” Orlando says evilly, making some of the others uncomfortable.

Orlando retrieves his briefcase and opens it to reveal the same blueprints of Southfork seen in the previous episode.

“Thanks to Kelly, who paid off the Ellis-County clerk, we now have an official copy of the Southfork Estate,” Orlando says, sharing it with his inquisitive men.

The insidious figure allows his men some time to scan the blue prints before continuing with his next set of information. “We can also thank our friend in the janitorial department at the Ewing-Oil building who reported that the Red Files are nowhere in the building, and I have reliable proof to support that as well. So, that means they’re either hidden away in the one of the Ewing safety-deposit boxes around the world, or they’re in the estate somewhere.”

“How are we going to infiltrate the perimeter of this Southfork Ranch?” one henchman asks. “Certainly those city slickers have security around.”

Orlando grins and looks at the ground as he leans against his desk. “If you had waited, I was about to get to that,” Orlando answers rather disgustedly. “Now, as Kelly should have informed you, five people reside at the ranch: John Ross “J.R.” Ewing, Jr., whom you all should know about; his ex-wife, Sue Ellen; his younger brother, Bobby James; Bobby’s adopted son, Christopher; and there’s J.R. middle son, John Ross III. They all have daily schedules they go about, and various men in our organization have been observing their every move. We have video cameras hidden in the house, thanks to our contact in the exterminating company.”

“Sir, if I may ask,” Kelly begins, “have the Ewings left any kind of clues that could possibly lead to where in the house those files are at?”

“No, but I’m not too surprised. I’d expect those papers to be well hidden, and most likely they’re hidden in one of the walls or the attic which no one goes up to,” Orlando answers, and then takes a sip of his cold glass of ice water.

“Now, men, you will each be given a file of an individual person. You must study it carefully, and it’s up to you how you obtain their live selves, and I want them alive.”

“I thought this was going to be quick and discreet, no kidnappings or killings,” one henchman says.

“You know too well that the mansion is too big to just go in and out. It’ll probably take hours or even a whole day to scavenge the whole place, and surely someone will see us. And with those hostages, it’s up to my old buddy J.R. what happens to them. He and whoever can pay a ransom to get them back, or he can witness their painful deaths via television,” Orlando answers.

Orlando, then, excuses the rest of the henchman before standing alone with Kelly.

“Kelly, I want to talk to you,” Orlando asks in an unusual, softer tone.

“Of course, sir,” Kelly says, almost surprised.

Orlando grabs his glass of water and watches the liquid swirl in his glass. “I’ve never had anyone who I could really talk to growing up. You know, my father was a drunken abuser, and my mother was someone who could never understand me, and even my own siblings had their own ways. The only other man besides you who would really listen was my uncle, Joseph Lombardi.”

Kelly sits down at one of the seats as he listens to his employer.

“Kelly, I never told anyone why I want those Red Files so much, but I’m going to tell you because I trust you, boy. You know that I was married five times, don’t you? Well, my first wife - I really thought the world of her. She taught me how to love and was the most sincere people I ever knew. When she gave J.R. Ewing that evidence to destroy me, my whole world was over. I didn’t want to believe it; I didn’t want to live anymore. I got back at her, though. She paid - she paid with her life, and I made sure her relatives never got to see our children ever again!”

Kelly quietly, politely asks, “Is that evidence in those Red Files?”

A gleam of anger shines in Orlando’s eye because of him being interrupted, but he holds his anger to himself and slams his glass of water onto the table.

“I trust you won’t share this with anyone,” Orlando mutters in monotone.

Kelly shakes his head negatively. “No, of course I won’t, Mr. Orlando.”

Orlando nods and takes a sip of his water. “All right, good. Now, get out of my office. I want to be alone!”


Southfork Ranch; the Dining Room - Evening

After dinner Bobby enters the dining room to find Christopher eating a nightly snack. Bobby smiles when he sees his son and proceeds to sit near him.

“I thought I’d find you in here,” Bobby says, sitting down.

“You want to talk about something, Dad?” Christopher asks sincerely.

“Hmm. Well, I’m not sure what to do; I’m a little worried.”

“Worried about what?”

“Well, it’s about Jennifer. I couldn’t get a hold of her for a whole day on her cell phone; then, I tried calling her hotel, and they said she never checked in. I don’t know what to do.”

“Are you sure you got the right hotel?” Christopher asks.

“Yes, I’m sure. They had given her reservation to someone else.”

“Hmm,” Christopher thinks aloud. “I don’t know what to tell you, Dad.”

“Well, I didn’t expect you to. I want to call the police, but what could I tell them? I think I should wait just a while and see if she calls,” Bobby replies.

Christopher nods in agreement and takes a spoonful of his frozen yogurt. Bobby smiles and grabs a spoon from the table.

“Mind if I have a bite?” Bobby asks as he takes a spoonful.

Ray enters the dining room and rubs his cold hands together. “Well, J.R. is upstairs, talking to Cally, and Sue Ellen and John Ross are having some kind of Mother/Son dinner, so I’m going to head on home,” he tells as he waves.

“Oh, Ray, wait,” Bobby calls. “Why don’t you have some yogurt with us?”

Ray shakes his head. “Nah, I’m not too partial on yogurt anyhow,” he answers just before the doorbell rings.

Ray proceeds to answer it and is shocked to see Allison and Alexis standing in the cold. He finds himself at a loss for words as Bobby and Christopher rush by.

“Oh, my God,” Bobby mutters.

Meanwhile, Cally and J.R. lie together in one of the guest bedrooms.

“I’m so sorry this all happened to you, Cally,” J.R. says.

Cally simply stares at the ceiling before clearing her sinuses. “I wasn’t sure how you’d react to seeing me after all this time, especially a blubbering crybaby.”

“Callie, you had every right to be upset,” J.R. assures. “I wish it was under better circumstances, but it was rather good to see you again. I know we had our differences in the past, with you not letting me see Jake and all.”

“J.R., please don’t bring that up. I don’t regret one iota what I did because, frankly, Tyrone was a wonderful father to our son. I couldn’t have asked for a better man.”

“Cally, did you… did you ever have any other children?” J.R. asks.

“Tyrone and I were going to have a little baby of our own….”

“What happened?” J.R. asks tenderly.

“I wasn’t strong enough to handle the pregnancy, and he or she came out stillborn. And, I suffered uterine damage and couldn’t have any more children.”

J.R. closes his eyes at hearing that and a very sincere expression crosses his face. “Callie, I’m so sorry… all that you’ve had to endure,” he says.

“I want to thank you. You could’ve done so many things to me by me coming back to Southfork, but I couldn’t have asked for a better support.”

“We were married, Cally, and we share a bond that will never go away,” J.R. assures.

Cally remains deathly silent at her ex’s final comment and sits up uncomfortably.

“Cally, did I say something?” J.R. asks.

“No, no, you didn’t. It’s just when you said we were married once before….”

“Yeah?”

“I guess I forgot that or something,” Cally says fidgety.

“Have you called Jake?” J.R. asks suddenly.

Cally looks to the ground and shakes his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t! I have to call him before somebody else does.”

J.R. quiet backs away as Cally dials the phone, and he and proceeds downstairs.

“I can’t believe April had a twin sister and never told me,’ Bobby says in disbelief.

‘I didn’t expect her to mention me since we had our considerable differences,” Allison answers. “April wasn’t one for family talk. I guess I should tell you Michelle came with us-“

“Michelle… she’s in Dallas?” Bobby asks in a surprised tone.

“She didn’t want to come, but maybe I could convince her to join us for breakfast,” Allison suggests.

“I’d like that,” Bobby agrees; then, he looks at Alexis looking at the pictures of April from the photo album. “You can have those if you want.”

“What?” Alexis says, caught off-guard. “Oh, no, I couldn’t. I’m just thinking about how much my mom and she looked so much alike.”

“I really don’t mind if you take them,” Bobby says.

“I think it’s painful for him to look at her pictures anyways,” Christopher says.

Alexis smiles nervously at Christopher before looking back at the album. “Okay.”

“Why don’t you join us for breakfast, Christopher?” Allison asks. “And, you, too, Mr. Krebbs.”

“Oh, just call me Ray, please,” Ray asks politely. “And, I think I’ll take you up on that invitation. What about you, Chris?”

“Ah, I suppose it couldn’t hurt,” Christopher shrugs.

J.R. appears in the room. “I didn’t know we had-“ J.R. finds himself in complete shock to see Allison and thinks she’s April. “Oh, my God!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Airplane Landing at Dallas Love Field Airport - Evening

Phyllis and Ellie sit next to each other, and Michael sits in front of them as the airliner lands at Dallas Love Field Airport.

“It was a rough landing, wasn’t it, Phyllis?” asks Ellie, who is recovering from a mild case of jet lag.

“Don’t talk to me, please,” Phyllis asks as she continually breathes in.

Michael looks over the seat at his ill mother and aunt. “If you ladies don’t mind, I have a phone call to make once the plan is landed,” he says.

“Believe me, son, we certainly do not care at this point,” Phyllis says as she waves herself with her own vomit bag.

The stewardess appears and looks at all the passengers. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be landing shortly, so please fasten your seat belts because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

Phyllis’ eyes widen, and she places her hand over her face. “Oh, ****, not this again!”

Later, after the plane has landed, Michael walks over to the pay phone as Ellie and Phyllis step outside. After paying the quarter and waiting through the incessant rings, the voice of an older man answers.

“Yeah? Who is this?” the man asks.

“Father, it’s me, Michael.”

“Ah. So, I assume you and your mother landed in Dallas without much trouble,” Nolan says as he closes his legal book.

Michael chuckles slightly and places his finger against his chin. “Well, Mother and her new sister didn’t fare well in, but we got through it in one piece.”

Nolan looks at his clock. “I’m just closing up the office and handing out severance checks now, but I’ve got no choice! It’s sad to leave this place after almost ten years, but I’ll be wherever your mother is. She can’t get out of my sight,” he says firmly.

“Be sure, Father, that word of me revealing this to you doesn’t get to her, all right?” Michael asks.

Nolan chuckles and stands up. “Hmm. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t rat out on my partner in crime like that. Have I in the past?” Nolan asks.

“No, I suppose you haven’t. I just feel a little bad for turning on her like this.”

“You’re doing her a favor. She needs me, Michael. She can’t function without my very presence in her life, and she knows it. Phyllis Darth can’t fool me!”

Michael glances at the airport entrance, where Miss Phyllis impatiently waves for her son to follow. “I better go. Mother’s getting a little antsy, and I better bring her to the ranch before she embarrasses me like she did on the plane,” he tells.

“Oh! Before you go, I wanted to tell you something: I told your sister Mandy in Hollywood about our recent move, and she’s thinking of joining us. She says she has an old debt to pay, I guess. I don’t know what that means,” Nolan shrugs.

“All right, I’ll be expecting you and maybe Mandy, too. Bye!” Michael hangs up the phone and rushes outside by where his mother and aunt are.

“Michael, what in the hell kept you on that phone?” Phyllis asks as they step into the cab.

“Oh, I had to call Jill up, Mother. She wasn’t too happy to learn that I left the state and moved so far away,” Michael answers.

“Well,” Miss Ellie begins, “I know you and Jill are separated, but you’re just putting more of a strain on your marriage as it is!”

“Your aunt is right, Michael,” Phyllis adds. “God, I thought you had told her when we were back at home.”


Anita Smithfield Ewing’s Townhouse - Evening

Anita sits comfortably on her sofa while reading a magazine as the doorbell rings. She puts it down and calls out, “Who is it?”

After not receiving a reply, she struggles to get up and rushes over to answer. Seeing J.R. standing there with his sadistic grin causes her to slam the door, but he blocks it with his foot.

“Now, is that any way to greet your husband?” J.R. asks as he steps in.

Anita rushes over to the phone. “I’m calling the police!”

J.R. quickly retrieves the receiver from her hand and puts it down. “Now, we’ve got a matter to discuss,” J.R. states solemnly.

“You mean consummating our marriage, don’t you?”

“Well, I’m glad you’re not getting slow on me,” J.R. replies as he takes off his jacket.

Anita shakes her head and tries to free herself, but J.R. forces her onto the couch and begins taking her black blouse off.

“J.R., let go of me! Let go of me!” Anita shrieks.

J.R. holds her back by her arms and gains direct eye contact. “I gave you a chance, but we’ll have to do it the hard way!”


Southfork Ranch; the Lounge - Late Evening

Following J.R.’s absence was the arrival of John Ross and Sue Ellen from their pleasant evening out. Introductions were thoroughly made, and soon the whole room was filled with jokes and laughter, something that had been missed from the household for years and years.

The cab carrying Phyllis, Ellie and Michael pulls down the stretched Southfork driveway. Unknown to anyone, a sleek black car is hidden on the abandoned farm across the street from the ranch, and Kelly begins photographing the taxi with a long-distance camera.

Later, everyone’s fun-filled night is interrupted by the arrival of Miss Ellie, who bears a strong presence in the family, in the lounge. Bobby smiles at his mother and embraces her.

“Welcome back to your home, Mama. It’s good to be back, Bobby,” Ellie says.

“Are Auntie Phyllis and her son with you?” Bobby asks curiously.

“Yes. I wanted to come in first, though, and see you all again,” Ellie answers, and they are all soon joined by Miss Phyllis and Michael.

Miss Ellie smiles as her family welcomes her sister’s family into her home; then, she glances at Allison and believes her to be April. The string of emotions running through her is too much to bear.

“Oh, my… oh, my God!” Ellie says as she begins to feel weak and falls back onto the chair.

“Are you all right, Sis?” Phyllis asks in grave concern as she leans over.

Miss Ellie suddenly loses her lively appearance, and her head leans to the side.

Bobby reaches over to check her pulse. “I can’t feel… I can’t feel a pulse. Sue Ellen, call 911....”

Sue Ellen tries to remain calm as she dials and asks for an ambulance. Allison backs into a corner in panic with Alexis, fearing that she was the cause of Miss Ellie’s apparent death…

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Anita Smithfield Ewing’s Townhouse - Midnight

J.R. lies in bed next to Anita, who finally gave into him and consummated their so-called business marriage. He looks over at her and chuckles, knowing that he won in the end. Suddenly, his cellular phone rings, and he turns on the light.

“Who in God’s name could be calling at this time?” J.R. asks himself as he takes the phone out of his nearby jacket pocket. “Hello!”

“J.R., it’s Bobby.”

“What in the hell are you calling me at this hour for? And, you sound like you lost your best friend,” J.R. comments from his brother’s tone.

“I’m not doing too well, J.R. Not damned well at all. I’ve got bad news,” Bobby says grimly.

“Well, get on with it already!”

“Momma came home from Maine with Auntie Phyllis and her son-“

“Auntie Phyllis? My God, are you serious? It’s been almost a lifetime since I’ve seen her!”

“Well, I’m afraid - I guess the trip was too much on Momma,” Bobby says tearfully.

“What’re you saying now?” J.R. asks, as if knowing what he’s going to say.

“Momma’s dead, J.R. She had a heart attack at home here….”

J.R. closes his eyes and fights back tears. He almost drops the phone and struggles to keep it held to his ear. “When… when did it happen?”

“It happened a couple hours ago. I would’ve called you sooner, but there was so much confusion, calling 911 and having her taken off the ranch,” Bobby answers.

“I’m just putting to bed something my lawyer and I are working on, but I’ll be right on home, Bob!”


Southfork Ranch; Cally’s Bedroom - Early Morning

Cally sits up in bed crying, and Sue Ellen sits next to her to comfort her. “I can’t believe Miss Ellie is gone, and I didn’t even get to say goodbye!”

“Cally, none of us knew what was going to happen. It was all so sudden,” Sue Ellen informs.

“She was so good to me, though! She was the first woman who welcomed me into this home and was so good and loving to me all the time before she and Clayton moved to Europe,” Cally reminisces.

“She was one in a million,” Sue Ellen says. “But, God bless anyone who crosses her or one of her boys!”

Cally laughs as she wipes away a tears trickling down her cheek. “I never saw that side of her.”

“I suppose she probably softened up more as she got older, but even she had her moments,” Sue Ellen confesses. “Well, you probably want your privacy.”

Cally watches Sue Ellen get up and calls her back. “Wait… I just wanted to say - I wanted to thank you for listening to me and hearing you out,” she says.

Meanwhile, J.R. and Phyllis stand alone in the lounge. J.R. pours himself a drink; then, turns to his aunt.

“Would you like a drink, Auntie Phyllis?” he asks courteously.

“No, thanks, Junior,” Phyllis politely refuses as she stares blankly into space.

“At least Momma got to see you and the ranch before she passed,” J.R. shrugs.

Phyllis smiles lopsidedly and sits down on the sofa. “The ranch was always Ellie’s passion. She was the animal lover of her, Garrison and me,” Phyllis says.

“It was good to see you back at the ranch, but I’m sorry that it had to have such a climatic ending like this,” J.R. regrets.

I’ll try not to think of it as a sad thing too much and think what you said, that she got to see Southfork again.”

Ray enters the room and proceeds to pour himself a bottle of brandy. J.R. and Phyllis both exchange annoyed glances.

“Has prohibition hit again?” J.R. asks.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Ray asks.

“It means why are you coming into my home at all hours, especially when we’re mourning, and making yourself comfortable?” J.R. asks bitterly.

“Well, forgive me for living! I just came by to tell Bobby that I took Allison and Alexis home-“

“Couldn’t you have just called?”

A brief silence ensues, and Phyllis struggles to hold in her laughter. Ray becomes disgusted with both people in the room.

“You know, I was going to offer you my support through Miss Ellie’s death, but I don’t think I’m going to now!”


Orlando’s Casino; the office - Midmorning

Orlando sits in delight as he reads an article in the paper regarding Miss Ellie’s death. Kelly walks in, sharing the same pleased expression as him.

“I suppose you already know what happened?” Kelly asks.

“Believe me, I was probably the first to know,” Orlando answers.

“I guess that’s one of those damned Ewings out of the way, huh?”

“Ironically, it had to be “Momma” to go first. I suppose fate likes to take by the oldest,” Orlando shares.

“You know, wouldn’t it just be fitting to send a bouquet of dead, dried-up roses to the funeral?”

Orlando chuckles at the thought. “We better not get carried away, or we might lose our awareness and guard of things,” he says. “But, I’m in too much of a good mood to give a damn!”

“I know it’s usually you who would say this,” Kelly begins, “but how about I treat you to lunch?”

Orlando rises from his seat and grabs his off-white blazer to match his slacks. “Sounds good to me!”


Anita Smitheld Ewing’s Townhouse - Morning

Anita hears the doorbell ring and rushes over to answer it, glad to see J.R. She ushers him in and sits down next to him by the couch.

“I know we aren’t exactly friends anymore, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am.... I really am sorry about your mother’s death,” Anita assures.

J.R. smiles weakly. “You didn’t have to call me all the way here just to tell me that!”

“It would have more meaning if I had told you in person,” Anita says.

“Yeah! I suppose it does for some,” J.R. says emotionlessly before standing up to leave.

“J.R., this probably isn’t the right thing to say right now, but last night was good. I want us to work things out if that’s possible,” she says.

J.R. looks in her direction glumly. “Try calling when you have the decency to wait until after someone’s funeral, and maybe I’ll think about it!”

J.R. quickly leaves, leaving Anita to sit alone on the couch disappointedly. At first, she stands up to go after him, but she declines and heads into the kitchen.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

I am not sure if he posts here or not. I have not spoken to him in over a decade. Lee Long, if you still visit and have other episodes, please post them.